Teaching during the pandemic of 2020/21

Students, Students Everywhere

Students are here

Students are there

In class or in bed at home

They join from anywhere.

One day at school

The next day online

"Connecting from El Salvador? 

Sure, I guess that's fine!"

Some days they work hard

Other days they only play

Some have structured learning

Some don't connect all day.

Routine and consistency

No longer can exist

I suggest a daily schedule

and give a daily check-off list.

We try to have discussions

With both groups at one time.

We try to use our whiteboards

to add twelve nickels and a dime.

But with muffled conversations

Behind masks and plastic walls

And one who turns their camera off

While another shows off her dolls.

To actually hold all their attention

And really drive the concept in

I admit defeat so often

And have to teach it all again.

Where rigor once held meaning

And practice happened every day

We now barely scratch the surface

As we learn in this new way.

Everything takes longer

Both for the students and for me

A simple daily warm-up

Takes the normal prep times three.

First to prerecord it

Then to assign it virtually

Then to teach in person

And translate as need be.

I harp on kids to finish

And beg for work from kids not there

Teaching in this model

Has become a huge nightmare.

I feel so ineffective

When I see the gaps and holes,

Knowing so many different factors

Lie outside of my control.

I lay awake at night

Wondering what else I can try

This concept seems so ridiculous

Should I laugh or should I cry?

I know that when I'm stretched

There's a purpose up ahead.

One day I will look back

And see just where it led.

Meanwhile I press on

And do the best that I can do.

Praying for daily strength and wisdom

From the One who carries me through.

Students here, students there

All leaning on just one me.

Taking time today to care for my own needs

So I can be the best I can be.